"General, this humble general humbly requests your assistance." Lu Ming wasn't presumptuous. He possessed unparalleled martial prowess, but warfare wasn't a one-man show; command was crucial.
"Oh? Who? Speak freely." Dong Zhuo was somewhat surprised, inwardly wondering what this young man was up to.
Although Lu Ming's sudden rise to power surprised him, it wasn't enough to warrant serious attention.
"Xu Rong!"
"Granted!"
Having received permission, Lu Ming took the token and left, finding Xu Rong and explaining his plan.
The latter was slightly surprised, but still nodded in agreement. For him, there wasn't much risk.
After preparations, Lu Ming began the assault. Ahead lay Li Jue's retreating troops, their faces disheveled and defeated. Facing failure to breach the walls was a humiliation and a source of frustration for him.
"Beat the drums! Advance!" Lu Ming waved his hand, ordering his soldiers to charge again.
He didn't watch from behind; instead, he chose his direction, shouldered a ladder, and charged forward.
The ladder, weighing over two hundred pounds, was as light as a feather in his hands, and his steed skillfully dodged the corpses and obstacles on the ground.
"Roar!" Lu Ming charged to the foot of the city wall, slamming the ladder into the ground, embedding it deep.
Then he took out small stones he had prepared beforehand and threw them up. A soldier who was about to push the ladder over froze for a moment, then his arm was smashed by a stone!
Only the skin remained attached, a truly gruesome sight!
"Ah! My hand!"
Taking advantage of the moment, Lu Ming charged forward in two quick strides, bracing himself against the spear thrust. With a sweep of his broadsword, he sent five surrounding soldiers flying. "I am Lu Anmin of Tao County! Who dares to fight me to the death!"
His roar stunned the surrounding enemy soldiers into immobility. A captain roared and swung his sword, "Playing tricks! Who do you think you are! Ah!"
Before he finished speaking, he was cleaved in two from head to toe!
Blood splattered, and Lu Ming grinned cruelly, beginning his rampage along the city wall.
The rebel soldiers along the way were either hacked to death or swept across the battlements by his immense strength, pushed off the wall, and killed instantly!
Even those who survived were crippled, groaning in agony at the foot of the wall.
The cries of agony and screams, coupled with Lu Ming's godlike appearance, instilled fear in the surrounding enemy soldiers, and their morale rapidly declined.
Xu Rong, seizing the opportunity, commanded his troops to attack the city. Under Lu Ming's cover, more and more soldiers scaled the city walls, suppressing the enemy.
Thump! As the drawbridge was lowered, the cavalrymen who had been waiting outside excitedly cracked their whips, ready to plunder the city.
"Good!" Dong Zhuo clapped his hands vigorously. His nephew was indeed trustworthy; the boy hadn't deceived him and could truly be entrusted with important responsibilities!
With the army entering the city, street fighting ensued.
Without the high walls and formidable defenses, defeat was only a matter of time. Taking Jincheng County meant taking Bian Zhang's family, and the morale of the rebel troops stationed elsewhere would naturally plummet.
Using the lives of their families as hostages to divide the majority of the rebel army, and then specifically targeting Bian Zhang, victory would be within their grasp!
The reason for attacking Jincheng in the opposite direction wasn't entirely about besieging the city and attacking its reinforcements.
When Xu Rong explained this to Lu Ming, Lu Ming suddenly understood. He looked at Xu Rong with some surprise; how could this man see through such a strategy?
"Thank you for informing me, General," Lu Ming said, looking at the raging fire ahead. "Would you like to go and supervise the battle?"
"No, I'm in charge of logistics. The Commandant can go if he wants," Xu Rong shook his head; he wasn't interested in such matters.
Supervising the battle was really just about looting. Conquering cities and seizing territory was simply a way to vent one's frustrations.
The simplest method was plundering wealthy families—money, women—so the fall of a city was often a disaster.
Lu Ming didn't stand on ceremony; he did need women to vent his frustrations, so he smiled and left.
"Captain, these soldiers are with you and will protect you. From now on, you are your men. Serve them well and do not neglect them," Xu Rong said to the squad of soldiers behind him, then whispered, "Captain, this is the general's order."
This was the foundation upon which Lu Ming had built his power. Every general has his own personal guard. These are close soldiers, reliable and seasoned veterans.
"Ding! Accepted fifty men to join the team, adding them to the formation."
"Formation complete, automatically assigning professions, automatic assignment complete."
A glance revealed that almost every type of soldier was represented, even two medics.
Their profession was still Prayer, still able to use bandages for healing, but not life-saving magic, seemingly different from his own skills.
Light guards, swordsmen and shieldmen, spearmen, archers, axemen, hammermen—almost every type of soldier was included.
These troop types all have good growth paths. As cavalry or heavy infantry, their power is considerable, and due to their limited health, their combat effectiveness is stronger than other ordinary soldiers.
Leading fifty newly recruited personal guards, Lu Ming charged into the city. Bian Zhang's residence had been breached by Hua Xiong's men. Normally, it was first come, first served, but Hua Xiong sent men to invite everyone to share the spoils.
Hua Xiong stood in the courtyard, still holding his blood-stained broadsword. At his feet lay a man, his eyes wide with disbelief. The man was clearly from a wealthy family, but sadly, he had died so suddenly in his own yard.
"Lieutenant Lu, why don't you choose some beauties first? The lord said you can choose first!"
"General, you flatter me. Just call me Anmin. Then I won't stand during the ceremony. I'll treat you to drinks after the war." Lu Ming laughed heartily. His purpose in coming here was clearly to enjoy the women.
He hadn't been with a woman for a long time, and besides, such acts of plundering were a means of controlling and boosting morale in ancient times.
If he couldn't win, he'd join them. He didn't yet have the power to change the situation, so he'd remain silent.
Upon entering the courtyard, Lu Ming immediately seized a mother and daughter.
Judging from their hairstyles, they were undoubtedly married women.
He ordered his men to stand guard outside while he, leering, dragged the mother and daughter into the room.
They struggled, but after he slapped them twice, they gave up and became very obedient and docile.